Carrera GT , Joint Winner ; Best Analogue Supercar
07-31-2013, 11:04 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
The labratory built MF1 is my vote, but I would like to see the FGT on the ballot................it may not win best overall, but of the lot, it would not score last either, judged objectively IMHO.
Last edited by MerlinsGarage; 08-01-2013 at 09:22 AM.
08-02-2013, 07:28 AM
#17
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The Sports Car is Dead; Long Live the Sports Car!
It's in the September issue (available on the iPad).
That article and the editorial by Metcalfe are instructive.
With regard to the former, I think it is true that every time they exited one of these cars, they felt it was the best drive they ever had. These cars all have character, real character. You have to learn about them and more about yourself to drive them. The journey together is the whole point. I am also glad they included the Noble because it is still today (and it was unfortunate that it broke down on Top Gear; what they didn't really show too much was that Aventador had to have its brake pads replaced as well, etc.).
With regard to the latter, sports car sales are way down. Indeed, people today far prefer a sporty SUV. However, not mentioned in the editorial, is that classic car sales are way up (at least in the UK). And I think this all gets to the same point as when Top Gear had a granny and a dog drive one of the latest sports cars.
Now I am clearly old school (and just recently purchased a CGT so was not displeased with the article's conclusions), but I admire and rejoice anytime I see another sports car on the road. The other day, a 430 appeared from behind in Switzerland (a guy and with a cute girlfriend) and so I opened up the taps very playfully which the 430 kindly responded to. So we spent the next 45 minutes trying to outdo each other's sounds in the tunnels. I'll never forget their faces when I hit about 5,000 RPM in second gear (never mind all of the cars suddenly exiting the left lane in front of me) -- yes, the Gates of Hell really did just open up. Anyhow, he did a great job of producing the magical high pitched Ferrari sound as well and we just had so much fun blasting down the freeway. A great Sunday afternoon casual drive. You can't do that in a SUV...
That article and the editorial by Metcalfe are instructive.
With regard to the former, I think it is true that every time they exited one of these cars, they felt it was the best drive they ever had. These cars all have character, real character. You have to learn about them and more about yourself to drive them. The journey together is the whole point. I am also glad they included the Noble because it is still today (and it was unfortunate that it broke down on Top Gear; what they didn't really show too much was that Aventador had to have its brake pads replaced as well, etc.).
With regard to the latter, sports car sales are way down. Indeed, people today far prefer a sporty SUV. However, not mentioned in the editorial, is that classic car sales are way up (at least in the UK). And I think this all gets to the same point as when Top Gear had a granny and a dog drive one of the latest sports cars.
Now I am clearly old school (and just recently purchased a CGT so was not displeased with the article's conclusions), but I admire and rejoice anytime I see another sports car on the road. The other day, a 430 appeared from behind in Switzerland (a guy and with a cute girlfriend) and so I opened up the taps very playfully which the 430 kindly responded to. So we spent the next 45 minutes trying to outdo each other's sounds in the tunnels. I'll never forget their faces when I hit about 5,000 RPM in second gear (never mind all of the cars suddenly exiting the left lane in front of me) -- yes, the Gates of Hell really did just open up. Anyhow, he did a great job of producing the magical high pitched Ferrari sound as well and we just had so much fun blasting down the freeway. A great Sunday afternoon casual drive. You can't do that in a SUV...
08-02-2013, 03:29 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
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It's in the September issue (available on the iPad).
That article and the editorial by Metcalfe are instructive.
With regard to the former, I think it is true that every time they exited one of these cars, they felt it was the best drive they ever had. These cars all have character, real character. You have to learn about them and more about yourself to drive them. The journey together is the whole point. I am also glad they included the Noble because it is still today (and it was unfortunate that it broke down on Top Gear; what they didn't really show too much was that Aventador had to have its brake pads replaced as well, etc.).
With regard to the latter, sports car sales are way down. Indeed, people today far prefer a sporty SUV. However, not mentioned in the editorial, is that classic car sales are way up (at least in the UK). And I think this all gets to the same point as when Top Gear had a granny and a dog drive one of the latest sports cars.
Now I am clearly old school (and just recently purchased a CGT so was not displeased with the article's conclusions), but I admire and rejoice anytime I see another sports car on the road. The other day, a 430 appeared from behind in Switzerland (a guy and with a cute girlfriend) and so I opened up the taps very playfully which the 430 kindly responded to. So we spent the next 45 minutes trying to outdo each other's sounds in the tunnels. I'll never forget their faces when I hit about 5,000 RPM in second gear (never mind all of the cars suddenly exiting the left lane in front of me) -- yes, the Gates of Hell really did just open up. Anyhow, he did a great job of producing the magical high pitched Ferrari sound as well and we just had so much fun blasting down the freeway. A great Sunday afternoon casual drive. You can't do that in a SUV...
That article and the editorial by Metcalfe are instructive.
With regard to the former, I think it is true that every time they exited one of these cars, they felt it was the best drive they ever had. These cars all have character, real character. You have to learn about them and more about yourself to drive them. The journey together is the whole point. I am also glad they included the Noble because it is still today (and it was unfortunate that it broke down on Top Gear; what they didn't really show too much was that Aventador had to have its brake pads replaced as well, etc.).
With regard to the latter, sports car sales are way down. Indeed, people today far prefer a sporty SUV. However, not mentioned in the editorial, is that classic car sales are way up (at least in the UK). And I think this all gets to the same point as when Top Gear had a granny and a dog drive one of the latest sports cars.
Now I am clearly old school (and just recently purchased a CGT so was not displeased with the article's conclusions), but I admire and rejoice anytime I see another sports car on the road. The other day, a 430 appeared from behind in Switzerland (a guy and with a cute girlfriend) and so I opened up the taps very playfully which the 430 kindly responded to. So we spent the next 45 minutes trying to outdo each other's sounds in the tunnels. I'll never forget their faces when I hit about 5,000 RPM in second gear (never mind all of the cars suddenly exiting the left lane in front of me) -- yes, the Gates of Hell really did just open up. Anyhow, he did a great job of producing the magical high pitched Ferrari sound as well and we just had so much fun blasting down the freeway. A great Sunday afternoon casual drive. You can't do that in a SUV...
so well written..this is what the fascination about these cars is..your last sentence puts the nail down..and thats why my daily driver, if if a Cayenne one day..is for me more or less a disposable...a C-GT or a GT2-GT3, are just more than cars that bring you from A-B..they are real "cars" rather then "boring transportation means"..
all the best,
08-05-2013, 03:04 PM
#20
Scanned article from EVO:
I wasn't able to download the .pdf because of the size. I hope the link to my dropbox will work. Enjoy!
Bjorn
https://www.dropbox.com/s/btbwnewoma...df?n=148219708
I wasn't able to download the .pdf because of the size. I hope the link to my dropbox will work. Enjoy!
Bjorn
https://www.dropbox.com/s/btbwnewoma...df?n=148219708
08-05-2013, 03:28 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
Scanned article from EVO:
I wasn't able to download the .pdf because of the size. I hope the link to my dropbox will work. Enjoy!
Bjorn
https://www.dropbox.com/s/btbwnewoma...df?n=148219708
I wasn't able to download the .pdf because of the size. I hope the link to my dropbox will work. Enjoy!
Bjorn
https://www.dropbox.com/s/btbwnewoma...df?n=148219708
08-06-2013, 07:52 AM
#23
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By the way, I have rarely seen the CGT rated below top 10 of sports cars of ALL TIME, but here are too other links which show its relatively high standing:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...s/viewall.html (top 3 overall)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_...op_Sports_Cars (top for 2000s, 8 overall)
It is actually a bargain...
Cheers,
Steve
http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...s/viewall.html (top 3 overall)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_...op_Sports_Cars (top for 2000s, 8 overall)
It is actually a bargain...
Cheers,
Steve
08-06-2013, 10:57 AM
#25
Burning Brakes
By the way, I .........................................................
http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...s/viewall.html (top 3 overall)
Steve
http://www.motortrend.com/features/c...s/viewall.html (top 3 overall)
Steve
Best, Bret.
08-06-2013, 01:37 PM
#26
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Agree mtbscott on the F1 (on both the ranking and obviously the incorrect horsepower -- 621 in '94!). Anyhow, sometimes I think that the reviewers obviously get a little prejudiced towards those who lend them cars and those that don't (watch the UK Top Gear Albania series with the "Bentley" -- its hilarious). I am not sure if they really had a chance to critically review the F1 (but maybe they did). I also feel like there is a little too much nostalgia (or personal history) in some of the ratings -- which is only human!, but honestly cannot speak from a wide experience. I do think the CGT has carved sort a separate section of supercar "real estate" which is generally very highly appreciated and ranked. It is certainly more unique than many other modern super cars.
08-06-2013, 01:57 PM
#27
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I do trust the UK series Top Gear (in general, although I have different preferences than they do) and the EVO reviewers the most -- they have the same philosophy about a car that I do. And so its natural. The article here is a great reaffirmation of a basic driver's principles as a whole and less so as a tribute to the CGT in particular.
I also like Chris Harris a lot who I think can objectively review a car and expresses his own potential prejudices in a very clear, but separate light. I think he hits it right own (although I will give Vicky full credit for her recent review of the CGT; would like to see Chris drive one today!). See Chris' review of the 918 and, for interest, the older GT3 versus the 458 (both in video form).
I do hope the 918 works out for Porsche, by the way, because they are such great guys -- I am just worried that its not going to be "macho" enough for its customer base. It seems a lot of people buy these cars to put them into hibernated storage to show off. I think the 918 is probably a great representation of the latest engineering talent, but doesn't look like -- or have the ridiculous stats -- like a show car as much as some of its competitors (in contrast, I think my little CGT is beyond gorgeous and drives in a totally different way, but then again it appeals to my sense of aesthetics in every way). I prefer a win-win outcome here (no reason it can't be).
Cheers,
Steve
I also like Chris Harris a lot who I think can objectively review a car and expresses his own potential prejudices in a very clear, but separate light. I think he hits it right own (although I will give Vicky full credit for her recent review of the CGT; would like to see Chris drive one today!). See Chris' review of the 918 and, for interest, the older GT3 versus the 458 (both in video form).
I do hope the 918 works out for Porsche, by the way, because they are such great guys -- I am just worried that its not going to be "macho" enough for its customer base. It seems a lot of people buy these cars to put them into hibernated storage to show off. I think the 918 is probably a great representation of the latest engineering talent, but doesn't look like -- or have the ridiculous stats -- like a show car as much as some of its competitors (in contrast, I think my little CGT is beyond gorgeous and drives in a totally different way, but then again it appeals to my sense of aesthetics in every way). I prefer a win-win outcome here (no reason it can't be).
Cheers,
Steve
08-07-2013, 01:08 PM
#29
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Thanks LuckyP.
I would, except my car is in the shop this weekend in Porsche Zug (new front underneath protective "bumper" being installed as the old one had some damage -- CHF12,000, a replacement wheel I had put in Monaco for €6,000 is getting painted in Seal Grey to match the other wheels, a few other minor things). But I will write my whole adventure from a few weeks ago which necessitated these repairs -- from Zurich to St. Tropez -- 14 hours and my second day in the car -- which included more challenges than I could have imagined at the time (including being attacked by a "killer scooter" a few days later in St. Tropez). I always insist on the car being like new, so it's never a compromise when the car goes into the shop... Ouch. But I am learning an awful lot on how to avoid some of these going forward.
It will be on another road trip probably end of next week (up through Germany). Or maybe I go to Prague and see some friends... This car redefines "road trip."
Cheers,
Steve
I would, except my car is in the shop this weekend in Porsche Zug (new front underneath protective "bumper" being installed as the old one had some damage -- CHF12,000, a replacement wheel I had put in Monaco for €6,000 is getting painted in Seal Grey to match the other wheels, a few other minor things). But I will write my whole adventure from a few weeks ago which necessitated these repairs -- from Zurich to St. Tropez -- 14 hours and my second day in the car -- which included more challenges than I could have imagined at the time (including being attacked by a "killer scooter" a few days later in St. Tropez). I always insist on the car being like new, so it's never a compromise when the car goes into the shop... Ouch. But I am learning an awful lot on how to avoid some of these going forward.
It will be on another road trip probably end of next week (up through Germany). Or maybe I go to Prague and see some friends... This car redefines "road trip."
Cheers,
Steve